Local Politics

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Bridgwater and West Somerset Constituency

Background of Bridgwater and West Somerset

The postcode TA9 3RD is located in Bridgwater and West Somerset, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Ian Liddell-Grainger MP of the Conservative party.

Bridgwater and West Somerset is a UK parliamentary constituency located in the South West of England. Created in 2010, it amalgamated parts of the former Bridgwater and Taunton constituencies. The area encompasses a diverse mix of rural landscapes, market towns, and coastal areas, with Bridgwater being the largest town and a key economic centre.

Historically, the constituency has been a Conservative stronghold. Since its inception, the seat has been held by Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, who previously represented the former Bridgwater constituency from 2001. The constituency’s political landscape is thus characterised by longstanding Conservative dominance, reflecting its generally centre-right leanings.

Demographically, the population is predominantly White British, with a significant proportion of over-50s, reflecting its rural and retirement-friendly profile. The economic characteristics of Bridgwater and West Somerset are varied, with agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing playing major roles. The Hinkley Point nuclear power station near Bridgwater is a significant employer and a critical infrastructure project within the region.

The electorate in Bridgwater and West Somerset numbered approximately 92,000 in recent elections. Voter turnout in the constituency is typically around the national average, demonstrating a reasonably engaged electorate.

In the 2016 Brexit referendum, the constituency voted decisively to leave the European Union, reflecting broader trends in many rural and semi-rural areas of the UK. This strong pro-Brexit stance has since influenced local political discourse, with ongoing discussions around economic development and agricultural policy central to the constituency’s future.

Bridgwater and West Somerset remains a politically conservative and economically diverse constituency with deep-rooted community ties and a clear mandate on key national issues such as Brexit.

Brexit

Did Bridgwater and West Somerset vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Bridgwater and West Somerset voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. Residents in this area could have chosen to vote that way due to concerns about immigration, sovereignty, and a desire to take back control. Many felt that leaving the EU would allow the UK to make its own laws, control its borders, and negotiate trade deals independently. The decision to leave was also influenced by a desire to reclaim British identity and protect local industries from perceived EU regulations. The vote reflected a sense of disillusionment with the status quo and a desire for change.